Montana Rifle

So here is the latest, I received my .280 after 11 months after being told 10-14 weeks. Took it to the range and couldn't open the bolt after firing a round, and I am using factory ammo, so a hot load is not the issue. I put through 10 rounds and every round was a huge struggle. Contacted the shop I bought the rifle from, sent it back to them. Their gunsmith went through it and found some machining issues. The gun was sent back to MRC in October, they claim they did all this machining and the gun was perfect. I asked for a video of the rifle cycling rounds and never received it. The gun shows up back at the gun dealer early January, they take the gun to the range and find the same issue!!!!! Fast forward to this past Saturday, February 24th. MRC wants the gun sent back again, and they are offering NO compensation or are they willing to do a rush job to get this to me before I leave for South Africa in May, which is the whole reason I wanted this gun built.

So just want people to know the lack of customer service that Montana Rifle Company has and the poor quality control coming out of this shop. I ordered this rifle October 14, 2016
 
So here is the latest, I received my .280 after 11 months after being told 10-14 weeks. Took it to the range and couldn't open the bolt after firing a round, and I am using factory ammo, so a hot load is not the issue. I put through 10 rounds and every round was a huge struggle. Contacted the shop I bought the rifle from, sent it back to them. Their gunsmith went through it and found some machining issues. The gun was sent back to MRC in October, they claim they did all this machining and the gun was perfect. I asked for a video of the rifle cycling rounds and never received it. The gun shows up back at the gun dealer early January, they take the gun to the range and find the same issue!!!!! Fast forward to this past Saturday, February 24th. MRC wants the gun sent back again, and they are offering NO compensation or are they willing to do a rush job to get this to me before I leave for South Africa in May, which is the whole reason I wanted this gun built.

So just want people to know the lack of customer service that Montana Rifle Company has and the poor quality control coming out of this shop. I ordered this rifle October 14, 2016

This is very sad. My 375 H&H has been excellent...so far. I was thinking of getting one in 30-06, but all your issues are making me rethink my plan.

Now I may look at another Kimber just for the light weight. Mine in 243 Win has been very good as well as a 308 I sold to a buddy who loves it.
 
My frustration level would be over the top. MRC seems to have a number of issues as has been noted on quite a few forums by dissatisfied owners. I have only handled one MRC, and that was in Namibia last year. One of the guests had a 375 H H and it seemed like a very nice rifle with a smooth action....sorry for your bad luck with yours.
 
Yes, very sad! I built a custom rifle on one of their actions, have had zero problems and the rifle is a good one. But, the poor service seems to be a theme fairly common around the net. They have got to be business tone deaf and blind to not see a problem that's staring them in the face. But hey, when you have Colorado Buck in your corner and all the way from his Texas ranchette :), I guess you can afford such poor service for your paying customers. I too will not likely use one of their actions in the future.
 
A friend of mine is waiting for a left hand Montana rifle ordered in August. Was supposed to be in his hands November, December, January, February, the second Tuesday of next week, ad nauseum. Same deal, wanted it for an April hunt in RSA.
At this point, he's not holding his breath.
 
I was planning on buying a 7 Continents rifle, or have a "build" done based on their long/magnum action. After these reports those options are out. Regrettable; they seemed so promising.
 
I was planning on buying a 7 Continents rifle, or have a "build" done based on their long/magnum action. After these reports those options are out. Regrettable; they seemed so promising.

Look at the CZs, the Noslers, the Kimbers, or if one has a long enough lead time, a custom built by a proven gunsmith or some of the custom barrel manufacturing companies like Pac-Nor, Hart, Bartlein, or Shilen. They will chamber and build a barreled action. My preference if I was buying a factory rifle for Africa would be a CZ. I have them in rimfires and a friend bought one in .375H&H and the workmanship is excellent.
 
It was/ is going to be a 338 Norma;now have the barrel (PacNor, 32" long, 9" twist) and all the reloading gear, as well as a suitable 'scope. Just a choice of action. I'm talking to my favorite gunsmith on and off ...
 
It was/ is going to be a 338 Norma;now have the barrel (PacNor, 32" long, 9" twist) and all the reloading gear, as well as a suitable 'scope. Just a choice of action. I'm talking to my favorite gunsmith on and off ...

I would recommend a Pierce action. I have three, all smooth as glass.
 
Thanks a big heap; I'll follow up on the Pierce actions. I'm pretty sure my 'smith uses them regularly. He produces some gorgeous rifles; check out scgunsmithing.com if you're interested in what Aussie 'smiths build.
 
So here is the latest, I received my .280 after 11 months after being told 10-14 weeks. Took it to the range and couldn't open the bolt after firing a round, and I am using factory ammo, so a hot load is not the issue. I put through 10 rounds and every round was a huge struggle. Contacted the shop I bought the rifle from, sent it back to them. Their gunsmith went through it and found some machining issues. The gun was sent back to MRC in October, they claim they did all this machining and the gun was perfect. I asked for a video of the rifle cycling rounds and never received it. The gun shows up back at the gun dealer early January, they take the gun to the range and find the same issue!!!!! Fast forward to this past Saturday, February 24th. MRC wants the gun sent back again, and they are offering NO compensation or are they willing to do a rush job to get this to me before I leave for South Africa in May, which is the whole reason I wanted this gun built.

So just want people to know the lack of customer service that Montana Rifle Company has and the poor quality control coming out of this shop. I ordered this rifle October 14, 2016
Guster.
Ron Petty here , I am the new CEO of Montana Rifle and I want to fix this issue. We recently purchased the company form the Sipes, and I can assure you I have a can do, can fix attitude.
We currently have expanded and have 54 employees working 6 days now to address the concerns on deliveries- now down to approx. 12 weeks and moving to 3-4. As for your gun I will either fix it to your satisfaction or build you a new one. And you have the whole forum here to report on my progress!!
Give me a call at 406-756-4867 or my personal cell 406-885-4678
Best Ron
ps working on customer service- that's all we have to stand on and we will get it right!!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Guster.
Ron Petty here , I am the new CEO of Montana Rifle and I want to fix this issue. We recently purchased the company form the Sipes, and I can assure you I have a can do, can fix attitude.
We currently have expanded and have 54 employees working 6 days now to address the concerns on deliveries- now down to approx. 12 weeks and moving to 3-4. As for your gun I will either fix it to your satisfaction or build you a new one. And you have the whole forum here to report on my progress!!
Give eme a call at 406-756-4867 or my personal cell 406-885-4678
Best Ron
ps working on customer service- that's all we have to stand on and we will get it right!!

Strong start Ron, I wish you well!
 
Good luck Ron and good for you stepping up to the plate on Guster's issue.
 
  • Like
Reactions: WAB
I like Ron's post! I would love to read it through to resolution!

Earlier in the thread I saw someone recommend a Nosler. I have two - the first, a Model 48 Custom in 270 wsm is a dream. Based on my experience with that rifle I purchased a Model 48 Outfitter in 338. That one has been trouble - it didn't feed from the magazine, and didn't meet the MOA guarantee. It has been back twice, feeding is somewhat better but still occasionally troublesome, and still doesn't make MOA. Ultimately very disappointing.
 
Ron Petty C.E.O. of the Montana Rifle Co. from your response to this issue it sounds like you intend to correct the poor quality of workmanship and lack of proper Customer Care. May I suggest that you institute a policy that requires every Montana Rifle be functioned with dummy rounds (20 - 25) to assure proper feeding and then fired a minimum of 10 rounds or two complete magazines. Yes it is going to cost both time and money but doing this should eliminate the malfunctions some if not all of your current customers are experiencing. Furnishing a test target with each new rifle would also be a plus. There is a need for good rifles in this price range, by that I mean something in between Production and truly Custom rifles.
 
Great response Ron! We have lost many MRC sales due to lead time. Love for a man to back his product!
Cheers,
Cody
 
A great response, Ron, all the very best for the future. I was considering an SCR in 338 Norma Mag, but adverse reports, and slow availability/delivery put me off. Based on your comments, it's back on the "wish list".
Again, best wishes...
 

Forum statistics

Threads
53,626
Messages
1,131,406
Members
92,685
Latest member
YvonnePaws
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Impact shots from the last hunt

Early morning Impala hunt, previous link was wrong video

Headshot on jackal this morning

Mature Eland Bull taken in Tanzania, at 100 yards, with 375 H&H, 300gr, Federal Premium Expanding bullet.

20231012_145809~2.jpg
 
Top